Monday, May 9, 2011

Don't judge a book by its cover

I'm glad that your mural still exists after all these years and has been viewed and appreciated at that school. Some people, however, wouldn't think twice about painting over such murals or couldn't care less about the work that went into making them.

Recently, I've been thinking about the work of visual artists and how this work is valued or devalued. There are so many factors that come into play -- factors that are often beyond one's control, such as the market economy, cultural beliefs, ignorance, and personal biases. These realities have to be faced, but that doesn't mean it is acceptable to dismiss such work or consider it less than other types of work.

Just as it is wrong to judge people based on mere appearances or impressions, it is likewise a mistake to devalue the work and skill that goes into creating images. Beyond the surface, images can tell stories or hold complexities that are certainly worth considering and valuing.

Jo
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*A student using her textbook to shield herself from the harsh sunlight and a worker descending into the Quezon Memorial Circle underpass.